Table 11.1 Native North Americans in the 1490s

• All native North Americans depended on hunting and gathering for a portion of their food.
• Most practiced agriculture. Agriculture sometimes supplemented hunting and gathering; at other times, hunting and gathering supplemented agriculture.
• All used bows, arrows, and other weapons for hunting and warfare.
• Evidence of artistic expression include drawings on stones, wood, and animal skins; woven patterns in baskets and textiles; designs painted on pottery, crafted into beadwork, or carved in effigies; songs, dances, religious ceremonies, and burial rites.
• Native North Americans did not have a writing system, did not use wheels or sailing ships, and did not have domesticated animals. Metal use was limited to copper.
• Native North Americans were able to adapt to local natural and social environments.